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Ruth Kundert Obituary
Ruth Eileen Kundert, 71, expired on March 2, 2009, at her home in Rapid City, S.D., following a heroic 34-year battle with cancer. Memorial services will be held at 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 13, at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1111 Oriole Drive, Rapid City. Ruth will be laid to rest in the spring with her parents and siblings at Mill Lake Cemetery, St. John.
Ruth was born Sept. 22, 1937, to Clarence and Marie Graybill of Saint John. Ruth grew up in the Turtle Mountains and attended country schools during her grade school years. She graduated high school from Saint John Public Schools. After graduation, she went to work at Rolla Bank, remaining there for a few years until moving to Bismarck and working for a bank there.
On Nov. 22, 1958, Ruth married William Kundert. They lived in Bismarck for several years before moving to Rapid City. They were the parents of four children.
Ruth was well known for her artistic ability. She enriched the lives of those who loved her with wonderful paintings and beautiful quilts. Ruth maintained strong roots in the Turtle Mountains, where she still owned property and was an active partner with her sisters in Three Sisters Cove. Ruth enjoyed everything of beauty and her love of birds, flowers and cats was evident everywhere. Her faith and hope for the future as one of Jehovah's Witnesses were very important to her. She had a deep love for the Bible, and was very adept at and cherished the privilege of teaching it's truths to others.
Ruth was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She had a reputation of being easy to talk to and held the confidences of many. She maintained her sense of humor throughout her illness. Her grandchildren were very close to her, and she always had a smile for them, right up to the end.
Ruth is survived by her husband of 50 years, William Kundert, Rapid City; her son, Daniel Kundert and wife Leonna, Mandan; her daughter, Naomi Smith and her husband, David, Vancouver, Wash.; her daughter, Candance Archuleta and her husband, John, Vancouver; her son, Forrest Kundert and his wife, Kelly, Newcastle, Wyo.; her brother, Frank Graybill and his wife, Iona, Rugby; her sister, Vera Graybill, Rolla; along with three very precious grandchildren, Andrew Smith and Eden and Maissa Archuleta; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Marie Graybill; her twin infant brother and sister; and her beloved sister, Betty Marquart.
Family and friends may sign Ruth's online guest book at www.kirkfuneralhome.com. (Kirk Funeral Home, Rapid City)
Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Kundert
Marsha Leaf
February 26, 2025
We are all one day closer to being reunited with Ruth, as this old system is winding down quickly. We yearn to see her again, as does Jehovah yearn to breathe life into her again. To experience the joy of seeing her laugh, taste her "good cookin'" and watch in awe as she pains beautiful pictures of paradise. She is still in our hearts and will remain there forever. Our deep love to the entire family . Jeff and Marsha Leaf
Carolyn Irvine
March 17, 2009
Dear Family of Ruth,
Ruth was so lovely, I can only imagine your pain in losing her. She was such a wonderful gift to our family because she helped our mother, Louise Hart. Ruth's gentle ways, wonderful smile and compassionate manner will be missed by many.
Kelly Kundert
March 9, 2009
My mother-in-law, Ruth, was the most caring and thoughtful lady I have ever known! I know she was in a lot of pain but she rarely even mentioned it and put everyone else ahead of herself. I loved Ruth's sense of humor. My heart goes out to Bill and her immediate family...If I feel such a loss with Ruth's death, I can't even begin to imagine what it's like for those who have known and loved her so much longer than I have. I'm thankful we have the wonderful hope of welcoming Ruth back in Paradise.
KATRINA STOUTENBURGH
March 9, 2009
I DID NOT KNOW RUTH LONG DUE TO BEING NEW TO THE AREA, BUT I IMMEDIATLY GREW TO ADMIRE AND DEEPLY RESPECT HER FOR HER COURAGE AND STRONG FAITH IN JEHOVAH. SHE ALWAYS HAD SUCH A POSITIVE ATTITUDE DESPITE THE HORRIFIC PAIN SHE ENDURED FOR SO LONG. RUTH WAS ALWAYS SO SWEET AND MILD TEMPERED AND I ENJOYED SHARING A LOVE OF CATS WITH HER. SHE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HER AND ANTICIPATE BEING REUNITED WITH HER IN PARADISE. I AM TRULY SORRY TO BILL AND YOUR CHILDREN FOR THE LOSS OF A WONDERFUL TALENTED LADY, YOU ARE ALL IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS, MUCH CHRISTIAN LOVE ALWAYS.
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Forrest Kundert
March 8, 2009
My mother was as an exceptional a mother as I could have ever asked for. She had such profound love for the truth and ministry that I admired most among her many wonderful qualities.
Vera Graybill
March 5, 2009
Our dear sister, how we must learn to live without you in our lives. All of our memories are deeply treasured. Ruth was a spiritual person who shared it with all she met. Her patience and long suffering were qualities that were outstanding.
your sister, Vera
Lynne Eckroth
March 5, 2009
Dear Naomi and Cande,
When I think of my aunt, Ruth, I remember the laughter and the mischeivous twinkle in her eye. She was a kind and gentle person. I remember the trip to Story Book Island with you, Cande, and my daughter, Jodie Ruth.
I have several art pieces in home that are pleasant reminders of my talented Aunt. Thanks to your Mom, we have a written story of our family's time spent in the rural schoolhouses of the Turtle Mountains.
It brings me comfort to know that my Mom, Betty, and your Mom are now at peace and free from pain. The sisters are together, again.
Paula Keck
March 5, 2009
My Aunt Ruth was so sweet and special to us all and will be greatly missed. She and my Mom, Betty, always shared a very close bond as sisters. As sad as it was, they also shared a bond as they fought their cancers together. Betty was released from the clenches of cancer when she passed in November, now Ruth is with her. Now we are all suffering from their losses, but comforted knowing their pain is over and they are together again.
I will always remember my Aunt Ruth as a kind and patient mother, great cook (her cookies were the best) and a real jokester. She was a talented artist and our family will cherrish the many pieces of artwork she so generously gave us. My kids will always remember Aunt Ruth as the one from South Dakota who always remembered them in letters by sending $2 bills for each of them.
To my cousins, my sisters and I share your pain and wish you peace and comfort as you sort through your loss.
Ruth and Betty were fighters. May we carry that strength and grace with us.
Love, Paula
Gail Niemcyk
March 5, 2009
To: The Kundert Family,
My husband and I are so sad to hear this news about Ruth. Our thought's, heartfelt prayers, and sincere sympathy are with your family and Ruth's friends. We live in Newcastle, WY and did not get to know Ruth very well. We are grateful to know her son Forrest and his wife Kelly Kundert. Dennis and I are so thankful to have Forrest and Kelly living in Newcastle and having them as friends and also a part of the Newcastle Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses here. She must have been so happy and proud to have such a wonderful young man, as a son, like Forrest. Ruth too, must have had many good qualities and must have been a loving mother to have such a son.
Dennis and GaiL Niemcyk
Daniel Kundert
March 5, 2009
I really love you Mom, you ment so much to me and I am really going to miss you.
I send the family my condolences.
My birds and cats make me think of you.
Bill Kundert
March 5, 2009
My Wonderful Wife Ruth
So many wonderful things could be said about you, but the tears continue to make it very difficult to put into writing. So many, many dear people love you, as I do, but failed to adequately demonstrate that when I had the opportunity. No one said it better than the unidentified King of ancient times, Lemuel at Proverbs 21:29-“There are many daughters that have shown capableness, but you-you have ascended above them all.”
Thank you precious woman for being the wife Lemuel depicts at Prov. 31:10-31. I can never stop missing you and regretting what I failed to do. How said that I failed to fully appreciate what Prov. 18:22 says-“Has one found a good wife? One has found a good thing, and one gets goodwill from Jehovah.”
So why have I been expressing myself as though Ruth could hear me when I believe what God’s Word says at Psalms 146:4? Because, in my heart and deepest emotions, she will always live.
How we all look forward to being with you again in the Resurrection that Christ Jesus will perform, oh so very soon.
Your husband of 50+ years,
Bill
JoAnn McClanahan
March 4, 2009
Cande - May your loneliness be tempered by the knowledge that we are all there with you in spirit. Even had I never met Ruth I would have known what a good woman she was just by knowing you. I am sorry for your loss and am standing by with a shoulder and an ear.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you my friend.
Love, Jo
Marsha Leaf
March 4, 2009
Dear Bill and Family,
We have happy memories of Ruth--her smile, the twinkle in her eyes as she made a joke, the kindness she showed to everyone. She was a great inspiration to all of us, in that she was a faithful servant of Jehovah's while enduring many years of pain. What a fine example! She took much pride in her family, joy in her children, we loved her ability to paint beautiful pictures and what a wonderful cook she was!! She will be greatly missed. We look so forward to welcoming her back to a paradise where we can watch as she grows young again and full of vitality--to be reunited with all those who love her dearly. Please know that our prayers are with you all in this time of grieving and our deep love and sympathy are extended to all the family. Jeff and Marsha
Naomi Smith
March 4, 2009
My mother was the cream of the crop in many ways. She gave me so much to become the person I am today. Her gifts to me such as the art, the love of purple, a wonderful maternal instinct and so much more. I thank her for being so wonderful and the unconditional love that she gave to me, her grandson, and her son in law. We will cheerish our memories with her forever in our hearts. She is missed dearly.
March 4, 2009
March 4, 2009
Donna Peeler
March 4, 2009
Naomi, You are a dear loving friend and I feel your grief and pain. May Gods love shine on in your heart and soul. He gave you a wonderful mother to love and to love you. May the lessons she taught you be passed forward to Andrew! There is nothing like a mothers love. You have a cherished Gift! God gave you a true blessing :) I love you!
Doug&Grace Owen
March 4, 2009
We are sad today over the loss of our dear sister and friend. We are thankful for all the warm memories we have shared with Ruth,Bill and family over the years. Ruth has always had a special place in our hearts. We cling to our hope of the resurrection and the real life.
warm christian love, The Owen family
Kerry Kingsbury
March 4, 2009
Candace, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. Please know that I am always here for you. I am sending you lots of strength to help you through this difficult time. You are in my daily thoughts. Love you bunches missy!!
Cande Archuleta
March 4, 2009
I could not have asked for a better mother, nor a better grandmother for my children. Mom was a very special person and it already feels very lonely without her.
I want to thank all of the Brothers and Sisters, and Hospice for everything they have done for us during this time. Your warmth and support has made this very difficult time easier.
lynda grusing
March 4, 2009
my thoughts and prayers are with you Bill and your children.we look forward to the resurrection when we will see your dear wife Ruth and my dear husband Dave. they were both wonderful and spiritual people and are missed by all of us.
our condolences go out to you and your children from me and my children mark, michelle and eric.
much chirstian love, the grusing family.
Dave and Sandy Boomgaarden
March 4, 2009
We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
We will always remember our trip to Bethel on the bus many years ago. We all had such a good time.
Remember our hope of the resurrection. Rev 21:3,4. We will look forward to seeing Ruth then and in perfect health. Our love to all
Dave, Sandy Boomgaarden and Family
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